At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to deliver exceptional service and share our rewilding story with guests.
- Company: Knepp is a pioneering rewilding estate in West Sussex, dedicated to sustainability and wildlife restoration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, tips, wine training, generous discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary project that values sustainability and teamwork in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy environments, great communication skills, and a passion for excellent customer service.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, perfect for students or those seeking part-time work.
Location: Horsham, West Sussex
Job Type: Fixed hours and contracts available (Full Time and Part Time Available)
Salary: 16-18 £8hr; 18-20 £10hr; 21+ £12.50hr plus share of tips which can increase the above significantly.
About Us: Knepp is a 3,500 acre estate just south of Horsham, West Sussex. Since 2001, the land - once intensively farmed - has been devoted to a pioneering rewilding project. Using grazing animals as the drivers of habitat creation, and with the restoration of dynamic, natural water courses, the project has seen extraordinary increases in wildlife. As part of this project, Knepp has created a butchery, providing award winning beef, venison and pork that are byproducts of the project. The restaurant will utilise the high-quality produce coming off the project as well as our new 3 acre market garden. It is our hope that we can create an exciting and sustainable culinary destination.
About The Role: We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic and passionate Front of House staff with a passion for great service, produce and sustainability to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to get stuck into a brand new project and work alongside growers, stockman, ecologists, and chefs. The right candidate will be experienced in running a fast-paced section, eager to learn and comfortable in sharing our rewilding story with guests.
Responsibilities:
- People: To work within the team to deliver the highest standard of service possible; to bring fun to the workplace and be part of a happy, motivated and focused team; to be involved in feedback of dishes; to give clear feedback between guests and the kitchen team.
- Customer experience: To ensure high customer experience and promote our ethos; to help achieve and sustain a minimum 4.5 star google review; to champion swift, efficient, knowledgeable and engaging restaurant and retail; to engage with the wider Estate team in the delivery of events.
- Operations: To maintain a safe workplace; to ensure the Wilding Kitchen environment is well maintained and meets internal Brand standards; to run your own section; to ensure tables turn on time; to give relevant information about produce and dishes to the guests.
- Statutory: To help in the cleaning after service to ensure the site operates to 5* EHO compliance; to make the kitchen team aware of any allergy and dietary requirements.
About you:
Job Requirements: Ensure all customer service standards are met; great personality and passion for giving our customers excellent service; team player; experience working in a busy environment; waiting experience (for our restaurant); ability to use ordering systems and till software; barista skills preferred but training will be given to the right candidate; flexibility and adaptability to work within different sections of FOH in our busy café environment.
Essential skills: Work ethic; enthusiastic about sustainability; good communication skills.
Estimated Weekly Hours: To suit the staff member. We can accommodate full time and part time members of staff. Applicants may prefer regular days and hours or zero hours contracts if they are at university and just wish to work the holidays. We are flexible and want to accommodate our team and will try to maintain a fixed rota where possible.
Shift and Schedule: Weekend availability (all staff must be prepared to work at least one day at the weekend as these are our busiest days); day shift (we are a predominantly daytime venue only); holidays (particularly suited to university students); weekends only (suited to people in full time education).
Employee Perks Benefits: Option of contracted hours with regular days of work; wine training/tastings; share of tips where appropriate (in spring 2025 this was up to £3 per hr for busy shifts); 28 days holiday a year (full time or pro rata'd holiday for part time staff); access to pension scheme; culture of training, development with lots of scope for progression; generous staff discount.
Please click on the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role. Overseas candidates will NOT be considered for this role. We are not sponsoring Visas at this time, so please refrain from applying unless eligible to work in the UK.
Front of House in Horsham, West Sussex employer: Knepp Swallows Ltd
Contact Detail:
Knepp Swallows Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Front of House in Horsham, West Sussex
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Knepp's rewilding project and the sustainable practices they employ. Being able to discuss their ethos and how it relates to your passion for sustainability will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in fast-paced environments, especially in hospitality. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed busy sections or provided excellent customer service under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your teamwork skills during the interview. Think of instances where you contributed to a positive team atmosphere or helped resolve conflicts, as this role requires a collaborative spirit.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for learning new skills, such as barista training or using ordering systems. Expressing a willingness to adapt and grow within the role can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Front of House in Horsham, West Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in customer service and any roles that demonstrate your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Mention specific skills like waiting experience or barista skills, as these are valuable for the Front of House position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for sustainability and excellent service. Share why you want to be part of Knepp's rewilding project and how your values align with their mission. Be enthusiastic and personal in your approach.
Showcase Your Personality: In your application, let your personality shine through. Knepp is looking for dynamic and enthusiastic individuals, so use your writing to convey your excitement about the role and your commitment to providing great customer experiences.
Highlight Flexibility: Since the role requires weekend availability and adaptability to different sections of the Front of House, make sure to mention your flexibility in your application. This will show that you are ready to meet the demands of the busy café environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Knepp Swallows Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for sustainability during the interview. Knepp is all about rewilding and sustainable practices, so sharing your own experiences or knowledge about these topics can really set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. Highlight any specific situations where you went above and beyond to ensure a great experience for guests, as this is crucial for the Front of House position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to talk about your experiences in collaborative environments. Share instances where you contributed to a positive team dynamic or helped resolve conflicts.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Menu
Before the interview, take some time to research Knepp's offerings and the types of produce they use. Being knowledgeable about the menu will show your genuine interest in the role and help you engage more effectively with the interviewers.